A train passenger has described the moment it overshot the platform at Bedworth station, leaving those on board petrified.

The 12.14pm London Midland Coventry to Nuneaton train was apparently forced to reverse down the tracks after missing the station “by some distance”.

One passenger contacted the Telegraph to say how people on the train were left frightened by the experience after a smell of burning entered the carriages.

London Midland apologised for the incident which it put down to weather conditions when contacted by the Telegraph. It also said it took the incident “very seriously” would be launching an investigation

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Passenger on board

One of the passengers on board told the Telegraph: “The small local Nuneaton to Coventry train should have stopped at Bedworth, but overshot the mark, and continued on for some distance before it stopped.

“The ticket collector told everybody to sit down. We could smell a horrible burning smell from the front of the train, and we were frightened, but were still told to sit down.

“After some time, the driver walked to the back of the train, started the train up, and we travelled back down the track to Bedworth station. Some passengers got off at Bedworth, others got on.

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Leaves on the line

A spokesman for London Midland explained how leaves on the line were thought to be responsible for the incident at Bedworth station.

He said: “What caused the train to overshoot the platform was the slippery state of the rails.

“At this time of year decomposing, damp, leaves produce a slippery residue that can settle on the tracks. This is similar to motorists driving on ice.

“Our drivers have to accelerate and brake more slowly but occasionally it can result in a train taking longer to stop. Harder breaking and the accumulation of leaf deposits on the wheels can also result in the smell the passenger reported.

“While there was no harm caused to passengers, we take these incidents very seriously and each case is subject to a thorough investigation. We are sorry for any concern this may have caused to our passengers.”